The year was 2001. I had just enrolled in an associate level Bible school program at what is now my home church, in Corpus Christi, Texas, earlier in the year. As summer approached, I signed up for an internship program and looked forward to the various outreaches and missions opportunities I would be helping with. At the last minute, however, the person who was to help me lead these endeavors was gone. I was alone to lead the different children’s ministry outreaches at the parks, without any children’s ministry experience. I felt abandoned, rejected, and alone.

Expressing my fears, concerns, anger, and inabilities to God at one of the parks where we planned to meet in just a few days, I looked down to see the picnic tables covered in graffiti, some gang related. Now this too! How could we bring children to such a place for our summer outreach programs? I cried out to God, not sure if he even cared.

A few days later, just before our outreaches were to take off, I returned to the park for some last minute planning. I still wasn’t happy about the whole situation, but I was determined to keep going with what I had promised to do. When I got to the picnic tables, I took a second glance. The previously graffiti-covered tables were freshly painted. They looked almost brand new. I broke down crying. God showed me that he is the God who sees and cares for me. I could trust him.

I was reminded of the story this morning as I continuing reading in Exodus. Moses and Aaron were off to tell the elders what God told them to share about releasing them from their bondage in Egypt. Upon hearing their words and seeing the signs, the Bible says:

Then the people of Israel were convinced that the Lord had sent Moses and Aaron. When they heard that the Lord was concerned about them and had seen their misery, they bowed down and worshiped (Exodus 4:31 NLT).

Are you feeling alone, as if God is far off today, that He doesn’t see or care for you? Look to Him, He is near. He cares and He sees. Cast your cares upon Him because He cares for you. Watch how He will reveal Himself to you. He may not completely change your situation, as He did with the picnic table, but He will reveal Himself. He is the God who sees and the God who cares for you.